The official first day of Spring is just a mere 4 days away. So close but yet so far away... especially when the weatherman forecasts snow. Yep, I said snow...even on the same exact day Spring begins. We are planning Shearing Day for the Angoras on March 28th. I hope we have a warming trend or it will have to be postponed.
The Better Half's mother fell and broke her hip, was hospitalized, under went hip replacement surgery and was admitted into a rehab center. She was healing well and beginning to get around on her own when she fell in the restroom. Luckily(thankfully) all was good, no major damage, only a few minor bumps and bruises.
No signs of lambing in the near future. Selena listened to me and we do not believe she settled. Bless her little furry heart. I explained to her from the get-go she didn't have to lamb to be productive, that her beautiful fleece was all I expected from her. Now the same can't be said of Scarlett and Pitty Pat. They are sporting blooming bellies. So I will be on baby watch beginning April.
I have been having a time with our bucks Sundance and Jacob, as well as Jackdaw our ram. Sundance (black Angora)not so much a problem other than calling to the does in heat. Such a noisey boy. Jacob(white Angora) on the other hand must be bored stiff and has taken to beating up (I should say in) the side of the metal storage shed that is exposed to their pen. I think he is actually just taking his frustrations out on the shed, you see he is low man on totem pole. Sundance is the boss even though Jacob believes he should be.
Jackdaw on the other hand decided he didn't want me coming into the pen and has began charging me and ramming the ewes. The little putz. The first time it happened I picked his happy Shetland body up, laid him on his side on the ground, laid my upper body on his, got up close & personal and we had a little talk. He quit for about a week. The second time I was very irritated because he actually made contact, his head to my legs. I picked him by horn and hair, laid him down and told him he was treading on thin ice. I took the pregnant ewes out of his pen for safety sake. I also now only go in his pen to feed which he seems to tolerate knowing he is going to eat. The weather has kept us from finishing the sheep run and lambing jug in a timely manner. As soon as we finish it Jackie is going in with the 4 wethered boys and will be too busy with them to worry about me. Selena, Scarlett and PittyPat will have a small run and lambing jug area to themselves without him.
We have been concentrating and putting much effort into getting our farm business up and running. I am happy to announce we will have a new website with an on-line store offering our farm crafts and products. Hopefully if all goes smoothly it will be working in the next month or so. I will keep all posted as to when it will be functional if you are interested.
Hope everyone has a great rest of the week. Til next time...
Showing posts with label This and That. Show all posts
Showing posts with label This and That. Show all posts
March 16, 2010
September 17, 2009
Neglectful
Neglectful of blogging that is. Things just stay busy lately. Geez, I didn’t realize it has been over 2 weeks since I posted. And it’s September already! Time does have a way of passing quickly hun?
It’s been a little bit of everything going on around the ole farmstead. Had a few ups and downs, a few ins and outs, even a high and a low.
We switched our hay provider about 2 weeks ago. Found a really good, pretty green, sweet smelling, orchard grass mix. Wrong thing to do with our bunch. Guess it was so good, they liked it so well, they over ate causing a few to come down with the scours or the pasture poos as the better half calls it. Not a pretty sight let me tell you. One would come down with it, I would get them cleaned up and straightened out, then another would have a bout with it. Yeah, I kinda felt knee deep in it.
More new baby chicks and peachicks hatched out. The new layers we picked up at the Cackle Hatchery in February have begun to lay. Happy, happy with that. Back in the swing of things with egg production now.
I managed to work through the entire stock of raw fleece we had stored away. This year was a lesson learned. Fleece Lesson - Do not store the fleece in the better half’s workshop where barn cats can go. Yep, the barn cats have access to the shop and found the stored fleece very, very inviting. So inviting they set up house. Seems a few bags of fleece were torn open and used as a warm cozy spot to have kittens, a warm cozy place for all of them to bed down in, plus used as a litter box. To say the least I was not a happy camper. I did try to save some of the fleece, after the 3rd wash and the awful smell was still there…I gave it up.
The last of summer’s harvest, a few zucchini are awaiting being worked up. Will be grating and freezing for winter baking. Zucchini bread…yummm.
We have had unexpected company in and out. The better half’s sister from Kansas came for a short visit. I love this sister. She is not afraid of the animals, getting dirty or being on the farm. Her husband is a cowboy. Really a real cowboy. They live on and he works cattle at a huge ranch some where on the Oklahoma Kansas border.
If you have followed the blog for awhile, you might remember each year (well the last 5) the weekend after Labor Day we have our big fat Irish family gathering. Everyone gathers together to attend the Southwest MO Celtic Festival. Unfortunately this year we did not have our big fat Irish family gathering. Dad’s health would not allow for the work involved in the family gathering or Festival. However we (better half, dear son and myself) did attend the Festival. Saving that for the next blog post.
Still have bottle babies and a few does nursing kids. We lost one doeling, to what reason I am totally clueless. So sad and frustrating, though won’t and can’t dwell on it, is part of the circle of life on the farm.
Good news is that we have sold all of this year kids (6). They will be leaving the end of this month once weaned. Plus have sold 2 of the milk does. Actually I made the decision to sell the milk goats due to my wanting to buy a new addition to the Shetland sheep flock. I am so excited. Will tell more on this too in the next blog post.
I wish you could see the pigs (camera not working at the moment). They are fattening out quite nicely. Will be ready for process mid October. They are quite the handful. I highly doubt we will raise 10 at a time again. As they age they become more aggressive, destructive and of course we all know why they are called pigs…they try to eat everything! That too is another story in itself.
Hope everyone is doing well and preparing for the change of seasons. I am so looking forward to fall. Til next time…have a good one.
It’s been a little bit of everything going on around the ole farmstead. Had a few ups and downs, a few ins and outs, even a high and a low.
We switched our hay provider about 2 weeks ago. Found a really good, pretty green, sweet smelling, orchard grass mix. Wrong thing to do with our bunch. Guess it was so good, they liked it so well, they over ate causing a few to come down with the scours or the pasture poos as the better half calls it. Not a pretty sight let me tell you. One would come down with it, I would get them cleaned up and straightened out, then another would have a bout with it. Yeah, I kinda felt knee deep in it.
More new baby chicks and peachicks hatched out. The new layers we picked up at the Cackle Hatchery in February have begun to lay. Happy, happy with that. Back in the swing of things with egg production now.
I managed to work through the entire stock of raw fleece we had stored away. This year was a lesson learned. Fleece Lesson - Do not store the fleece in the better half’s workshop where barn cats can go. Yep, the barn cats have access to the shop and found the stored fleece very, very inviting. So inviting they set up house. Seems a few bags of fleece were torn open and used as a warm cozy spot to have kittens, a warm cozy place for all of them to bed down in, plus used as a litter box. To say the least I was not a happy camper. I did try to save some of the fleece, after the 3rd wash and the awful smell was still there…I gave it up.
The last of summer’s harvest, a few zucchini are awaiting being worked up. Will be grating and freezing for winter baking. Zucchini bread…yummm.
We have had unexpected company in and out. The better half’s sister from Kansas came for a short visit. I love this sister. She is not afraid of the animals, getting dirty or being on the farm. Her husband is a cowboy. Really a real cowboy. They live on and he works cattle at a huge ranch some where on the Oklahoma Kansas border.
If you have followed the blog for awhile, you might remember each year (well the last 5) the weekend after Labor Day we have our big fat Irish family gathering. Everyone gathers together to attend the Southwest MO Celtic Festival. Unfortunately this year we did not have our big fat Irish family gathering. Dad’s health would not allow for the work involved in the family gathering or Festival. However we (better half, dear son and myself) did attend the Festival. Saving that for the next blog post.
Still have bottle babies and a few does nursing kids. We lost one doeling, to what reason I am totally clueless. So sad and frustrating, though won’t and can’t dwell on it, is part of the circle of life on the farm.
Good news is that we have sold all of this year kids (6). They will be leaving the end of this month once weaned. Plus have sold 2 of the milk does. Actually I made the decision to sell the milk goats due to my wanting to buy a new addition to the Shetland sheep flock. I am so excited. Will tell more on this too in the next blog post.
I wish you could see the pigs (camera not working at the moment). They are fattening out quite nicely. Will be ready for process mid October. They are quite the handful. I highly doubt we will raise 10 at a time again. As they age they become more aggressive, destructive and of course we all know why they are called pigs…they try to eat everything! That too is another story in itself.
Hope everyone is doing well and preparing for the change of seasons. I am so looking forward to fall. Til next time…have a good one.
August 15, 2009
Alone Time, Peachicks and Polled Goats
This weekend and the early part of next week I will be home alone. Woo Hoo! Oh, the peace and quiet and I have so many things I can, want and would like to accomplish without interruption.
To Do List:
Paint milk stand
Paint shearing stand
Card washed fleeces
Wash and card more fleece
Work on a few craft projects
I might even watch an old movie (I just love them) and veg on the couch one evening if things go smoothly.
The better half is working over the weekend and on his way to Wyoming, another big Woo Hoo! A long trip with many paid miles. Things are looking up.
Dear Son is leaving on a 3 day road trip to meet up with his friends from TN. He is still experiencing a bit of culture shock in moving from the big city to the boonies. A weekend away will do him good and brighten his spirits.
You might remember I mentioned we had a few new peachicks hatch earlier in the spring. I have been hesitant to talk much about them. Many do not survive, never sure any will. Our peafowl are free range, never caged or penned and they roam our 15 acres. At nesting time the hens hide their eggs and the chicks from us. When the hens do bring up the chicks for me to feed, they are a bit older, larger and normally those are the only ones who have survived. Sad we lose some, we just have to look at it as survival of the fittest.
This year 3 chicks were brought up to the barnyard. To my surprise we have a new color in the birds. Well, different color I should say. A Cameo also known as Silver Dun is not a new color in peafowl, though new to us. It is a gene mutation of Indigo Blues. Not sure if the Cameo is male or female. It is just lovely, a cream color with brown markings. I think I actually prefer the Cameo to the whites we had.
To Do List:
Paint milk stand
Paint shearing stand
Card washed fleeces
Wash and card more fleece
Work on a few craft projects
I might even watch an old movie (I just love them) and veg on the couch one evening if things go smoothly.
The better half is working over the weekend and on his way to Wyoming, another big Woo Hoo! A long trip with many paid miles. Things are looking up.
Dear Son is leaving on a 3 day road trip to meet up with his friends from TN. He is still experiencing a bit of culture shock in moving from the big city to the boonies. A weekend away will do him good and brighten his spirits.
You might remember I mentioned we had a few new peachicks hatch earlier in the spring. I have been hesitant to talk much about them. Many do not survive, never sure any will. Our peafowl are free range, never caged or penned and they roam our 15 acres. At nesting time the hens hide their eggs and the chicks from us. When the hens do bring up the chicks for me to feed, they are a bit older, larger and normally those are the only ones who have survived. Sad we lose some, we just have to look at it as survival of the fittest.
This year 3 chicks were brought up to the barnyard. To my surprise we have a new color in the birds. Well, different color I should say. A Cameo also known as Silver Dun is not a new color in peafowl, though new to us. It is a gene mutation of Indigo Blues. Not sure if the Cameo is male or female. It is just lovely, a cream color with brown markings. I think I actually prefer the Cameo to the whites we had.
Ever had a naturally polled goat? We haven’t, but we do now. Another recent discovery and surprise to us is that Violet’s (who is a horned goat) triplets are all polled. Not a horn tip or nubbin in sight. There are little smooth bumps under the skin where the horns should be but they are not coming through. The better half was so impressed he is now keeping Wisteria as well as Brownie. The polled factor had to come from the buck that my friend bred Violet to. All the goats in Violets pedigree from our farm were horned. I don’t have much information on the buck that she used so I am just assuming it from his side.
Wanted to take a moment to say welcome to and thank my new followers and readers for visiting. Also to say thank you to Tina from A Blip on the Radar and Nancy A Shepherd's Voice... for trying my Blueberry Orange bread recipe and mentioning us/it on their blogs.
If you have time and want to see a blog full of complete cuteness, stop by and visit Rose at Rose's Life on the Farm scroll down to the baby bunnies and the most adorable baby goats I have seen in a very long time. And I can tell you I have seen some adorable baby goats in my time :-)
July 27, 2009
Growing Like Weeds
Well, here we are the last week of July. Summer is flying by. Still much to do and it never seems to get done.
This week I am hoping to give the milk room it's yearly coat of paint and concentrate on yard work in between all other activities.
Normally about this time of year the weeds have died off, grass and pastures are brown and crunchy under foot and we wouldn't have to worry about mowing or weeds much longer. Surprisingly things are still growing strong this year. Grass and pasture is still lush and green. The wildflowers are still blooming. And the weeds... well, they seem to have a strong hold and are everywhere.
The babies are growing like the weeds. They don't stay small long. Here's little Miss Maybelle. Such a sweet little face. I will hate to see her go.
The pigs are also growing nicely after only 4 months. Hoping we can have them finished off by October and have them in the freezer the first part of November.
I have to admit I haven't had much down time lately to check in on or update the blog. I was so surprised today to see the site counter at over 10,000. Just totally amazed to have so many visits from my wonderful followers and other visitors. Thank you so very much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to visit us here at the farm.
This week I am hoping to give the milk room it's yearly coat of paint and concentrate on yard work in between all other activities.
Normally about this time of year the weeds have died off, grass and pastures are brown and crunchy under foot and we wouldn't have to worry about mowing or weeds much longer. Surprisingly things are still growing strong this year. Grass and pasture is still lush and green. The wildflowers are still blooming. And the weeds... well, they seem to have a strong hold and are everywhere.
The babies are growing like the weeds. They don't stay small long. Here's little Miss Maybelle. Such a sweet little face. I will hate to see her go.
The pigs are also growing nicely after only 4 months. Hoping we can have them finished off by October and have them in the freezer the first part of November.I have to admit I haven't had much down time lately to check in on or update the blog. I was so surprised today to see the site counter at over 10,000. Just totally amazed to have so many visits from my wonderful followers and other visitors. Thank you so very much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to visit us here at the farm.July 21, 2009
I Really Should
be busy doing something other than sitting here at the computer. Can’t get much done just sitting still you know. Just can’t help myself today. It is rather dull, damp and rainy out. Feels like a slow paced type day. A perfect time to catch up.
It has been crazy, busy, non-stop here lately. With a little bit of everything thrown in…the good, bad and the ugly.
The weather lately has been absolutely beautiful here. Truly amazing weather for July. Not out of the 80's during the day and in the upper 50’s to low 60’s at night. Sunday we actually tied a record low temperature. I have gotten so many outdoor projects done and have enjoyed doing them. Today they say we aren't suppose to get out of the 70's. It's just wonderful, rain and all!
Not sure I mentioned but Dear Son found a job shortly after his moving home. The job is not quite up to his standards (half the pay, no benefits) compared to his last position. But like I told him, even though it was not exactly the job he wanted, it’s a start, it’s a job and it’s money coming in for him. Moving from the 4th largest city in TN out here to po’dunk MO I feel he is blessed to be able to actually find something so quickly in this economy. He can continue looking for something equivalent to his previous position in his off time. Kind’a like wing walking, you don’t let go of one ‘til you have a hold of the other.
He has been driving the farm truck back and forth. The farm truck is a gas-guzzler, a 1 ton, 4-wheel drive, dually. Perfect for all the heavy-duty farm work we put it through like hauling the livestock and hay trailers, the weekly run to the feed store type work. But so not good for driving back and forth 40-50 miles daily. It takes about $80 to fill. Way too expensive for our budget, draining the wallet quickly.
We have been working on helping him get transportation other than the farm truck lined up. Geez, anyone been vehicle shopping lately? You know how expensive vehicles are, well, reliable, decent vehicles? Not to mention all the other necessities that are involved like tax, title and license.
After a bit of time we were able to locate him a reasonably priced, decent used vehicle. All the particulars should be finalized in the next day or so.
A 2002 Kia Sportage 4x4.
Another bottle baby came our way a week after Violet and the triplets. The little guy, we call him Little Buddy, I think was actually close to being Floppy. (When you get a chance and if you are interested google Floppy Kid Syndrome in goat kids.) It was touch and go for awhile. Many late nights bottle-feeding every 2 hours and much worrying on my part. Happy to report he is now up on his feet. Not quite as coordinated or active as he should be, but still doing 100% better. He is going back to the breeder as soon as he is weaned.
Little Buddy with the white blazed face. Brownie with the white spot on her head.
A local kennel I have worked with in the past called for assistance a couple of days ago. Had a 5-day-old Shih Tzu male pup with eating problems. I tried to save him, but it was not meant to be.
We lost a feeder pig. The crazy thing somehow got his head stuck in the fence and choked himself to death. Of course has to happen when the guys aren’t around. The neighbor was nice enough to come get him untangled and dispose of him properly.
Things have been slow going out on the road for the Better Half. Low miles, doing a lot of sitting out there. Sitting around in the semi gets on his nerves, let’s say he has not been in the best of moods lately. If the wheels aren't turning he is not making money which makes him cranky.
Have made a bit more progress on the skirting table. Stretched and covered the top with chicken wire. Over the edges of the top and wire I cut and placed some spare trim molding we had. Have still to paint the molding and add a few finishing touches. Dah me, really should have painted the molding before I cut and attached them. Would have made things much easier.
It has been crazy, busy, non-stop here lately. With a little bit of everything thrown in…the good, bad and the ugly.
The weather lately has been absolutely beautiful here. Truly amazing weather for July. Not out of the 80's during the day and in the upper 50’s to low 60’s at night. Sunday we actually tied a record low temperature. I have gotten so many outdoor projects done and have enjoyed doing them. Today they say we aren't suppose to get out of the 70's. It's just wonderful, rain and all!
Not sure I mentioned but Dear Son found a job shortly after his moving home. The job is not quite up to his standards (half the pay, no benefits) compared to his last position. But like I told him, even though it was not exactly the job he wanted, it’s a start, it’s a job and it’s money coming in for him. Moving from the 4th largest city in TN out here to po’dunk MO I feel he is blessed to be able to actually find something so quickly in this economy. He can continue looking for something equivalent to his previous position in his off time. Kind’a like wing walking, you don’t let go of one ‘til you have a hold of the other.
He has been driving the farm truck back and forth. The farm truck is a gas-guzzler, a 1 ton, 4-wheel drive, dually. Perfect for all the heavy-duty farm work we put it through like hauling the livestock and hay trailers, the weekly run to the feed store type work. But so not good for driving back and forth 40-50 miles daily. It takes about $80 to fill. Way too expensive for our budget, draining the wallet quickly.
We have been working on helping him get transportation other than the farm truck lined up. Geez, anyone been vehicle shopping lately? You know how expensive vehicles are, well, reliable, decent vehicles? Not to mention all the other necessities that are involved like tax, title and license.
After a bit of time we were able to locate him a reasonably priced, decent used vehicle. All the particulars should be finalized in the next day or so.
A 2002 Kia Sportage 4x4. Fuel efficient, about 25 miles to the gallon. Small, compact but with 4 wheel drive capable to take these rough country roads. He would probably have a fit if I ask him to do it, but it's even got room to haul feed or a goat or a sheep in the back. ;-)
Another bottle baby came our way a week after Violet and the triplets. The little guy, we call him Little Buddy, I think was actually close to being Floppy. (When you get a chance and if you are interested google Floppy Kid Syndrome in goat kids.) It was touch and go for awhile. Many late nights bottle-feeding every 2 hours and much worrying on my part. Happy to report he is now up on his feet. Not quite as coordinated or active as he should be, but still doing 100% better. He is going back to the breeder as soon as he is weaned.
Little Buddy with the white blazed face. Brownie with the white spot on her head.A local kennel I have worked with in the past called for assistance a couple of days ago. Had a 5-day-old Shih Tzu male pup with eating problems. I tried to save him, but it was not meant to be.
We lost a feeder pig. The crazy thing somehow got his head stuck in the fence and choked himself to death. Of course has to happen when the guys aren’t around. The neighbor was nice enough to come get him untangled and dispose of him properly.
Things have been slow going out on the road for the Better Half. Low miles, doing a lot of sitting out there. Sitting around in the semi gets on his nerves, let’s say he has not been in the best of moods lately. If the wheels aren't turning he is not making money which makes him cranky.
Have made a bit more progress on the skirting table. Stretched and covered the top with chicken wire. Over the edges of the top and wire I cut and placed some spare trim molding we had. Have still to paint the molding and add a few finishing touches. Dah me, really should have painted the molding before I cut and attached them. Would have made things much easier.
Well, off to work up a bit of blueberry jam, parboil a few more tomatoes and pop a few ears of corn in the freezer. Hope everyone has a good one.
June 19, 2009
Preoccupied A Bit
Kinda slacked off on my daily blogging lately. Could be it's just that time of the year where there is always something to do and the quiet time needed to organize my thoughts is lacking.
Dad went back into the hospital on Monday, came home yesterday afternoon. He developed more fluid around his heart and lungs. Dr. says this may be a continual problem and he may have to routinely go in for fluid removal. This makes me worry.
The dairy girls are keeping me on edge too... no kids so far. Constantly checking on them. Here we go …hurry up and wait.
We are on our summer schedule now to beat the heat. Things are a bit off kilter for me until I get into a regular routine. During the cool of the mornings (this is even before my morning cup of caffeine) it is out to do the morning chores and care for the animals. I can manage working out and about the farm in the heat until about 11:00 but after that it is just way too hot. All other outside activities are now postponed until about 6 p.m. I have found mowing in the evening isn't too bad at all. Cleaning and filling the water troughs is now my favorite chore. Don't mind the cool mistings from the water spickets one bit.
Summer officially begins Sunday, June 21st. Don't you know we would go from average temps for our area with all that stormy weather straight into summer temperatures, the upper 90’s and high humidity. Early morning temps are holding steady around 70. Even the birds are panting. The sheep and goats find a shady cool place and relax most of the day.
We have a family dinner planned for Father’s Day, also a large family gathering coming up for the 4th of July. (Father's Day won't be bad, but 4th of July it's both families... ughh!)
Beginning preparations now to be invaded in two weeks. Working on the menu now.
Crazy in this heat I know, but I've been baking a bit. Made a scrumptious batch of goat milk ice cream, the first batch of the summer. Still making the regular weekly yogurt and Chevre. The better half and son are requesting I make Cheddar as soon as the milk begins to flow again.
Hoping to have the skirting table finished this weekend. I have been trying to find the time to get busy on sorting, washing and carding the recently sheared fleece.
Going out to check for babies, til next time...have a good one.
Dad went back into the hospital on Monday, came home yesterday afternoon. He developed more fluid around his heart and lungs. Dr. says this may be a continual problem and he may have to routinely go in for fluid removal. This makes me worry.
The dairy girls are keeping me on edge too... no kids so far. Constantly checking on them. Here we go …hurry up and wait.
We are on our summer schedule now to beat the heat. Things are a bit off kilter for me until I get into a regular routine. During the cool of the mornings (this is even before my morning cup of caffeine) it is out to do the morning chores and care for the animals. I can manage working out and about the farm in the heat until about 11:00 but after that it is just way too hot. All other outside activities are now postponed until about 6 p.m. I have found mowing in the evening isn't too bad at all. Cleaning and filling the water troughs is now my favorite chore. Don't mind the cool mistings from the water spickets one bit.
Summer officially begins Sunday, June 21st. Don't you know we would go from average temps for our area with all that stormy weather straight into summer temperatures, the upper 90’s and high humidity. Early morning temps are holding steady around 70. Even the birds are panting. The sheep and goats find a shady cool place and relax most of the day.
We have a family dinner planned for Father’s Day, also a large family gathering coming up for the 4th of July. (Father's Day won't be bad, but 4th of July it's both families... ughh!)
Beginning preparations now to be invaded in two weeks. Working on the menu now.
Crazy in this heat I know, but I've been baking a bit. Made a scrumptious batch of goat milk ice cream, the first batch of the summer. Still making the regular weekly yogurt and Chevre. The better half and son are requesting I make Cheddar as soon as the milk begins to flow again.
Hoping to have the skirting table finished this weekend. I have been trying to find the time to get busy on sorting, washing and carding the recently sheared fleece.
Going out to check for babies, til next time...have a good one.
June 3, 2009
Early Morning Singing Song
Gliddy glub gloopy
Nibby nabby noopy
La la la lo lo
Sabba sibby sabba
Nooby abba nabba
Le le lo lo
Tooby ooby walla
Nooby abba naba
Early morning singing song
Singing a song
Humming a song
Singing a song
Loving a song
Laughing a song
Singing a song
Sing the song
Song song song sing
Sing sing sing sing song
Remember that song?
For some strange reason I have that song stuck in my head. And it’s stuck tight. When others things are not occupying and keeping my mind busy it continues to play over and over so of course I sing it.
Imagine the animals do believe I am half a bubble off plum this morning.
Raining once again. Outside projects on the back burner, no weeding, no mowing as were planned for the day. Mind you, I am not complaining in the least. The rains are keeping all green and growing. Hopefully these heavy down pour summer rains do not turn into too much of a good thing. The water is standing where there should be none. If this continues the poor plants may drown.
May 21, 2009
Busy With...
Garden – daily playing in the dirt.
Fencing – yeppers, with dear son’s help we expanded a goat pen and repaired one of the fences. (Totally by ourselves, proud as punch we are. Aches and pains where we never thought aches and pains would be but we did it.)
Cooking – dear son home = someone to cook for.
Spring Clean Up – tree limbs and branches, trash blown in from who knows where during the past week of storms.
Animals – Officially on baby watch now. New kids to arrive within the next 3-4 weeks. We may (that is a big maybe, the guys say this every year but none have ever arrived) be adding 2 bottle calves within the next week.
Fiber – sorting and washing fleece, soon to be carding.
Family – Dad and Sister are doing better. Mom now going to respiratory therapy 3 times a week
Fencing – yeppers, with dear son’s help we expanded a goat pen and repaired one of the fences. (Totally by ourselves, proud as punch we are. Aches and pains where we never thought aches and pains would be but we did it.)
Cooking – dear son home = someone to cook for.
Spring Clean Up – tree limbs and branches, trash blown in from who knows where during the past week of storms.
Animals – Officially on baby watch now. New kids to arrive within the next 3-4 weeks. We may (that is a big maybe, the guys say this every year but none have ever arrived) be adding 2 bottle calves within the next week.
Fiber – sorting and washing fleece, soon to be carding.
Family – Dad and Sister are doing better. Mom now going to respiratory therapy 3 times a week
May 14, 2009
Morning from the farm
It’s a comfy 62 degrees and hoping for a quiet day weather wise.
Dad came home from the hospital on Mother’s Day. He is doing as well as can be expected. Diagnosed with Pleural Effusion this time around.
"Pleural effusion, sometimes referred to as "water on the lungs," is the build-up of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity and act to lubricate and facilitate breathing."
Causes can be abdominal surgery and Pneumonia. Dad had the gallbladder surgery, which afterwards he developed Pneumonia then the Pleural Effusion followed. He still has labored breathing, though is resting comfortably, eating a bit more and seems to have a bit more energy.
Not only did Dad come home from the hospital on Mother’s Day. The better half made it home for the day. He originally thought he wouldn’t make it but he did. We met 3 of his sisters, his mother, a sister-n-law, and a nephew in Lebanon for Mother’s Day lunch and a bit of family time. The afternoon we spent with my parents. The guys made dinner for Sister and I that evening. It was a good day and so nice to see everyone.
Sister came down from the city and has been staying at the farm since Dad has been ill. She has good days and bad days. We take advantage of the good days, getting out and about visiting thrift shops and second hand stores (one of her favorite activities). I made arrangement for her to have crochet lessons today. Knitting and crocheting she can do without much physical activity and is a project she can stop and start easily.
Good news concerning her health , the arsenic levels in her blood are not increasing so the arsenic poisoning was from something in the past. Her tremors were a side effect of a new medication, changing out medications stopped the tremors. As far as the abnormal brain shrinkage, they are still attempting to find the cause.
Roses came for Mother’s Day in the form of a rose bush. I have been wanting to plant some in the front yard. Believe it or not this will be the first year I am able to have an area without the goats having access to and eating anything I plant.
Plus… a new house goat. The best kind – stuffed. The guys ran into Tractor Supply for something and came home with this cute little fellow.
The access road/driveway was rebuilt yesterday. Had 2 dump trucks of rock and dirt hauled in, a grater smoothed things out and cut new ditches on the sides so the water should flow down and away not over. We can now come and go without fear of the road collapsing or falling off the side.
Tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, okra, cucumbers, onions and various salad greens are growing quite nicely. The yellow wax beans have new little purple flowers. The heavy rain and hail beat many down though I don’t think we lost any. I can’t wait for the first homegrown tomato... yum!
Dad came home from the hospital on Mother’s Day. He is doing as well as can be expected. Diagnosed with Pleural Effusion this time around.
"Pleural effusion, sometimes referred to as "water on the lungs," is the build-up of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity and act to lubricate and facilitate breathing."
Causes can be abdominal surgery and Pneumonia. Dad had the gallbladder surgery, which afterwards he developed Pneumonia then the Pleural Effusion followed. He still has labored breathing, though is resting comfortably, eating a bit more and seems to have a bit more energy.
Not only did Dad come home from the hospital on Mother’s Day. The better half made it home for the day. He originally thought he wouldn’t make it but he did. We met 3 of his sisters, his mother, a sister-n-law, and a nephew in Lebanon for Mother’s Day lunch and a bit of family time. The afternoon we spent with my parents. The guys made dinner for Sister and I that evening. It was a good day and so nice to see everyone.
Sister came down from the city and has been staying at the farm since Dad has been ill. She has good days and bad days. We take advantage of the good days, getting out and about visiting thrift shops and second hand stores (one of her favorite activities). I made arrangement for her to have crochet lessons today. Knitting and crocheting she can do without much physical activity and is a project she can stop and start easily.
Good news concerning her health , the arsenic levels in her blood are not increasing so the arsenic poisoning was from something in the past. Her tremors were a side effect of a new medication, changing out medications stopped the tremors. As far as the abnormal brain shrinkage, they are still attempting to find the cause.
Roses came for Mother’s Day in the form of a rose bush. I have been wanting to plant some in the front yard. Believe it or not this will be the first year I am able to have an area without the goats having access to and eating anything I plant.
Plus… a new house goat. The best kind – stuffed. The guys ran into Tractor Supply for something and came home with this cute little fellow.
The access road/driveway was rebuilt yesterday. Had 2 dump trucks of rock and dirt hauled in, a grater smoothed things out and cut new ditches on the sides so the water should flow down and away not over. We can now come and go without fear of the road collapsing or falling off the side.
Tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, okra, cucumbers, onions and various salad greens are growing quite nicely. The yellow wax beans have new little purple flowers. The heavy rain and hail beat many down though I don’t think we lost any. I can’t wait for the first homegrown tomato... yum!
The hummingbirds arrived. A mating pair I do believe. I hung the feeders out a few days ago. Very delighted to see them visiting.
Til next time, have a good one!
May 7, 2009
Updates
The morning sky
The doctor’s diagnosed Dad with pneumonia. The medications did not seem to help much. Back to the hospital he went. Definitely has fluid on his lungs, now concerned about congestive heart failure. Hoping to hear results from tests this morning.
Scarlet and Pittypat now are down to one bottle a day. Weaning time makes for fussy babies don’t you know.
Brutus the 3-week-old pup now has his eyes open and is eating like a champ.Again excuse the poor quality photo, Brutus is so dark black you have to get so close to see his eyes, which makes for blurry pic with el cheapo camera.
According to the calendar Barb and Isabella (dairy goats) have 4 weeks to go before kidding.
Don’t forget -
HFA Fiber Fair 2009 ~ Sponsored by Highland Fiber Artists
May 16, 2009 ~ Webster County Fairgrounds ~ Marshfield, Missouri
The theme of HFA Fiber Fair 2009 is "15 and Going Green."
You will learn more about natural fibers, those from plants as well as animals, and how choosing these renewable resources over synthetics will help protect our environment.
The doctor’s diagnosed Dad with pneumonia. The medications did not seem to help much. Back to the hospital he went. Definitely has fluid on his lungs, now concerned about congestive heart failure. Hoping to hear results from tests this morning.Scarlet and Pittypat now are down to one bottle a day. Weaning time makes for fussy babies don’t you know.
Brutus the 3-week-old pup now has his eyes open and is eating like a champ.
According to the calendar Barb and Isabella (dairy goats) have 4 weeks to go before kidding.
Don’t forget -
HFA Fiber Fair 2009 ~ Sponsored by Highland Fiber Artists
May 16, 2009 ~ Webster County Fairgrounds ~ Marshfield, Missouri
The theme of HFA Fiber Fair 2009 is "15 and Going Green."
You will learn more about natural fibers, those from plants as well as animals, and how choosing these renewable resources over synthetics will help protect our environment.
April 14, 2009
The Peanut Game & Easter Sunday
Peanut lost the game. They now have him tied on a long lead so he can no longer escape. I imagine he will stay that way the next day or so until they can manage to fix the fence. I wanted to mention that Peanut has friends. Actually 2 beautiful little Miniature girls that he lives with. They should be foaling soon from what I hear. He has been a busy boy from the sounds of things. Oh and that mare he goes to visit, she is a brood mare at a Mule farm.
Hope everyone enjoyed his or her Easter Sunday as much as we did. Even though the day was overcast, kinda dreary and rainy we were able to enjoy and relax both on the farm and with our family.
Early in the morning (before it began to really rain) while doing the morning chores the better half called me over to watch the piglets enjoying the cool brisk morning. It’s so good to see happy, healthy little ones chasing, playing and running through their favorite wallow - mud. Every morning we fill the piglets feed trough and check their self feeding water bowl (it’s a handy little thing, just attach it to a water source and they push on a nozzle in the bowl to bring forth fresh water). They were so happy to see us (really think it was their food) that they would take turns squealing in delight then race around the parameter of their pen seeing who could return the quickest to eat.
(Note For Mama @Ruby Creek– We use what is referred to as hog panels to make their pen. 3 ft tall by 16 ft long panels. Sorry it took so long to get back to you on that.)
One of Jim’s sisters came down from the city for Easter weekend. She spent some time at the Lake of the Ozarks with a friend on Friday, Saturday spent the afternoon and night with the youngest brother’s family and on Sunday came to have a farm fresh Easter breakfast with us before returning home. So good to see her and was a lovely brief visit.
In the afternoon we were meeting family at my parents for Easter dinner. We decided we had a bit of extra time for a Sunday drive (Mom and Dad live about 20 something miles away) so we took the scenic lesser-traveled route over. You could call it a short cut though it really isn’t. Probably "the back roads" would be a more fitting description. Long dirt and gravel twisty, turny roads leading across the countryside. Up hills, down valleys, along ridges and across wet weather creeks. It really is a beautiful drive in spring and fall. This time of year the Red Bud and Dogwood are bursting out all over in purples, pinks and white.
I enjoy looking at the other farms as we drive across the area. You would be surprised how many farms and homes are located back off from the main roads nestled peacefully in the wooded areas. My favorites are the barn shaped houses. I also love seeing the newborn calves, lambs and other livestock grazing the new growth of spring pastures.
Easter dinner was delicious and family time is always cherished. Time flies when you are having fun don’t you know…I hated to leave but there were bottle babies to feed, goats to milk and Jim had to get packed to go back to the road.
Oh, look what my Easter Bunny (Dad) brought me …a smidgen, a pinch and a dash.
The separate single measuring spoon on the end is a teaspoon. The others are the smidgen, a pinch and a dash, the smidgen being the smallest. If by chance you ever run into a recipe calling for a dash of something it’s about equal to 1/8 of a teaspoon.
Hope everyone enjoyed his or her Easter Sunday as much as we did. Even though the day was overcast, kinda dreary and rainy we were able to enjoy and relax both on the farm and with our family.
Early in the morning (before it began to really rain) while doing the morning chores the better half called me over to watch the piglets enjoying the cool brisk morning. It’s so good to see happy, healthy little ones chasing, playing and running through their favorite wallow - mud. Every morning we fill the piglets feed trough and check their self feeding water bowl (it’s a handy little thing, just attach it to a water source and they push on a nozzle in the bowl to bring forth fresh water). They were so happy to see us (really think it was their food) that they would take turns squealing in delight then race around the parameter of their pen seeing who could return the quickest to eat.
(Note For Mama @Ruby Creek– We use what is referred to as hog panels to make their pen. 3 ft tall by 16 ft long panels. Sorry it took so long to get back to you on that.)
One of Jim’s sisters came down from the city for Easter weekend. She spent some time at the Lake of the Ozarks with a friend on Friday, Saturday spent the afternoon and night with the youngest brother’s family and on Sunday came to have a farm fresh Easter breakfast with us before returning home. So good to see her and was a lovely brief visit.
In the afternoon we were meeting family at my parents for Easter dinner. We decided we had a bit of extra time for a Sunday drive (Mom and Dad live about 20 something miles away) so we took the scenic lesser-traveled route over. You could call it a short cut though it really isn’t. Probably "the back roads" would be a more fitting description. Long dirt and gravel twisty, turny roads leading across the countryside. Up hills, down valleys, along ridges and across wet weather creeks. It really is a beautiful drive in spring and fall. This time of year the Red Bud and Dogwood are bursting out all over in purples, pinks and white.
I enjoy looking at the other farms as we drive across the area. You would be surprised how many farms and homes are located back off from the main roads nestled peacefully in the wooded areas. My favorites are the barn shaped houses. I also love seeing the newborn calves, lambs and other livestock grazing the new growth of spring pastures.
Easter dinner was delicious and family time is always cherished. Time flies when you are having fun don’t you know…I hated to leave but there were bottle babies to feed, goats to milk and Jim had to get packed to go back to the road.
Oh, look what my Easter Bunny (Dad) brought me …a smidgen, a pinch and a dash.
The separate single measuring spoon on the end is a teaspoon. The others are the smidgen, a pinch and a dash, the smidgen being the smallest. If by chance you ever run into a recipe calling for a dash of something it’s about equal to 1/8 of a teaspoon. April 13, 2009
The Peanut Game
To play the Peanut Game you will need -
Our neighbors, their little miniature horse (stud) named Peanut with a big horse attitude, a weak fence, a beautiful quarter horse mare down the road, a halter and a lead.
Little Peanut has become quite the escape artist. Seems on a daily basis for the last week little Peanut has escaped his confinements to trot up our mile long access road, across the country gravel road to visit a big beautiful quarter horse mare. He also chooses to play this game in the wee hours of the morning (when all but us early bird goat milkers are still fast asleep).
One morning I find Peanut standing in our front yard contemplating if he wanted to visit with the goats or run for the hills (he chose the hills when I attempted to catch him). Another morning at the crack of dawn on Jim’s way into town Peanut was standing on the side of the road visiting with the mare. Yesterday afternoon on our way out to our family Easter dinner we found him hoofing it midway up the access road and this morning on his way back out to work Jim found Peanut again standing with the mare.
Like good neighbors we always call to let them know he is out. Most mornings they do not answer the phone. I end up walking to their house, knocking on their door until someone answers. This morning bright and early (a quarter to 7’ish) I let the phone ring and ring and ring. The teenage daughter finally answers the phone, sleep still heavy in her voice. I say sorry to wake you, but Peanut is up at Mr. C’s. Exasperated she says NOT AGAIN.
I do feel sorry for them, know they have to be extremely frustrated. (Well I would be if Jim couldn’t fix a fence or figure out where the horse was escaping from).
Though have to say we find it quite comical. Doesn’t take much to entertain us, ehh? Who will go fetch Peanut home today? How long will it take them to catch him? How long will he stay fenced? Who will win the Peanut game, the horse or the neighbors? Stay tuned.
Our neighbors, their little miniature horse (stud) named Peanut with a big horse attitude, a weak fence, a beautiful quarter horse mare down the road, a halter and a lead.
Little Peanut has become quite the escape artist. Seems on a daily basis for the last week little Peanut has escaped his confinements to trot up our mile long access road, across the country gravel road to visit a big beautiful quarter horse mare. He also chooses to play this game in the wee hours of the morning (when all but us early bird goat milkers are still fast asleep).One morning I find Peanut standing in our front yard contemplating if he wanted to visit with the goats or run for the hills (he chose the hills when I attempted to catch him). Another morning at the crack of dawn on Jim’s way into town Peanut was standing on the side of the road visiting with the mare. Yesterday afternoon on our way out to our family Easter dinner we found him hoofing it midway up the access road and this morning on his way back out to work Jim found Peanut again standing with the mare.
Like good neighbors we always call to let them know he is out. Most mornings they do not answer the phone. I end up walking to their house, knocking on their door until someone answers. This morning bright and early (a quarter to 7’ish) I let the phone ring and ring and ring. The teenage daughter finally answers the phone, sleep still heavy in her voice. I say sorry to wake you, but Peanut is up at Mr. C’s. Exasperated she says NOT AGAIN.
I do feel sorry for them, know they have to be extremely frustrated. (Well I would be if Jim couldn’t fix a fence or figure out where the horse was escaping from).
Though have to say we find it quite comical. Doesn’t take much to entertain us, ehh? Who will go fetch Peanut home today? How long will it take them to catch him? How long will he stay fenced? Who will win the Peanut game, the horse or the neighbors? Stay tuned.
April 8, 2009
On The Road Again
As they say... all good things must come to an end.
So did the better half's vacation.
He is back out on the road again.
We decided to spend the last evening of his vacation quietly at home with "Dinner and a Movie Night".
He loves to grill and I have to say he is really quite good at it. I enjoy when he grills, not only does the food taste better to me (always does when someone else cooks) there is less mess in the kitchen for me to clean up.
We had a delicious meal of grilled salmon steaks, a side salad, asparagus and a baked potato.
If you have not had the chance to see this movie, you really should.
So did the better half's vacation.
He is back out on the road again.
We decided to spend the last evening of his vacation quietly at home with "Dinner and a Movie Night".
He loves to grill and I have to say he is really quite good at it. I enjoy when he grills, not only does the food taste better to me (always does when someone else cooks) there is less mess in the kitchen for me to clean up.
We had a delicious meal of grilled salmon steaks, a side salad, asparagus and a baked potato.
After dinner we watched Australia.
If you have not had the chance to see this movie, you really should. We rarely go out to the theaters. The last time was in 2004. Going to the theater is a bit out of my comfort zone. I have a difficult time with crowds and it is almost impossible for me to sit still for 2 hours.
Now don't get me wrong, I do watch movies. It is just easier at home where I can putter and piddle around the house while the better half can kick back in his recliner comfortably and watch.
Besides my not being able to sit still...the price of a ticket at the theater...oh my goodness, come on...in 2004 it was $6.00 per person for an afternoon matinee at that. An afternoon out for 4 with drinks, snacks or popcorn cost almost $50.00. I can think of much better things to spend $50.00 on than a movie. Sorry about the little rant...back to the movie...
In my opinion Australia was a very good movie.
I am not a big Nicole Kidman fan but still it was a good movie.
Hugh Jackman was awesome.
It was a drama, a western of sorts (better half loves westerns), a love story and much more rolled into one. We laughed out loud a couple of times and it brought tears to our eyes later on.
For the better half a good movie has to have a happy ending, this did. I actually didn't want it to end.
April 7, 2009
A Typical Day
I have recently had emails from a couple of charming readers interested in knowing how we manage things on farm. So I thought I would share a bit of our day with all.
We live on a small farm, 15 acres. The better half does work away from the farm (someone has to pay the bills :-). Though he does help out during busy times and when he is home off the road. I am blessed to be able to stay at home and be doing what I want to do at this time in my life. My day is not glamorous by any means; it is more an adventure never knowing what the new day will bring.
For Ann & Terry
I have always been an early riser. Also being a light sleeper, the rooster crowing by the window at the crack of dawn never fails to wake me. No alarm clock needed here. Usually up and around before anyone else in the house, I cherish and need that little extra time in morning to clear my head and collect my thoughts.
The day begins roughly about 5 or 6, depending on the light and cold of the season. First if there are bottle babies, it’s bottle time and cleaning playpens. I start a load of laundry then out to milk the goats after my morning caffeine fix and puttering around the house opening blinds, curtains and doors. Then back in to process and bottle the milk. While the pasteurizer* is humming along I check my email, drop in at various online boards or groups and try to post on the blog.
We are very fortunate to have milk year round. Winter for most is when they dry their does off for breeding and do not have to milk. At times I envy those who have the winter break, especially the days the milk begins to freeze before I get it to the house. Other times I am grateful to not be without milk, so we purposely breed to have a year round supply.
After finishing working with the milk, it is back outside to feed and water the poultry, peafowl and pigs. I then feed the goats and sheep. There are 4 pens/pastures that house our goats and sheep. I weigh and measure feed amounts for each group then it’s back and forth from the feed room till all are fed. I then check to make sure each pen/pasture has a clean full water trough, fill hay feeder and refill baking soda and mineral feeders and let all out to browse.
Then back in the house to make breakfast. Breakfast depends on who might be home and how hungry they are. If I am home alone it is normally something simple and easy such as a breakfast muffin, toast and jam or a bowl of oatmeal on the run. If the better half is home we usually go over the plan of action for the day during breakfast. The better half works from the "To Do List " which gives me the direction my day will take. Depending on the task chosen and if he will or will not need my help is how my day will play out.
Around 11:30 it’s bottle feeding time, I collect eggs, check on any special needs situations (pregnant goats, hatching chicks, babies of any type, etc.), then walk the farm checking for head/horns caught in fencing, making sure all is right in my little world.
It’s then time to fix lunch, again what depends on who is here. After lunch, it’s mid day bottles, then we continue whatever task or craft chosen for the day. Lately it has been shearing, vaccinating and trimming hooves. On cold days we choose inside outdoor projects, like raking out the old loose hay from the hay room, cleaning the milk room and shelters, organizing the shop, fixing things that need repaired and building a new whelping box. Puppies due anytime.
Around 5 it is bottle time again. I also check nest boxes for a late laid egg that might freeze, plus check the levels in the outside self-feeding cat and dog food dispensers. Before evening milking I call everyone back up from the pastures, do a head count and close them in their pens for the night. After milking go back to the house and we call it an end to a good day.
I try to have dinner on the table by 7 at the latest, dishes and kitchen cleaned by 8. The last bottle feeding of the day comes around right before retiring for the night, sometimes 9, sometimes 10. Between 8 and 9 is my quiet down time. I usually can manage a chapter in a book or watch a 30 minute program on TV before falling asleep sitting up.
Now in between the ins and outs during the day I do the other normal household activities, cleaning, laundry, dishes, cooking. Some tasks I have assigned to certain days. Cheese making is Monday, I use all remaining milk from the prior week that has not been bottle fed, sold or used for the table to make cheese. Thursday is for baking, Wednesday is for scrubbing floors, cleaning bathrooms and other mundane household chores. Friday is set aside for visitors and customers to pick up milk and eggs.
I also handle all other day to day tasks such as paying bills, purchasing supplies & feed, all records management, sales and supervise (if you want to call it that) our farmhand who helps out when needed.
What needs done around the farm also depends on the season. Spring and Summer comes garden work, new babies born and home canning. Fall and Winter brings butchering and winter prep.
Seems there is always something to do and never a dull moment.
We live on a small farm, 15 acres. The better half does work away from the farm (someone has to pay the bills :-). Though he does help out during busy times and when he is home off the road. I am blessed to be able to stay at home and be doing what I want to do at this time in my life. My day is not glamorous by any means; it is more an adventure never knowing what the new day will bring.
For Ann & Terry
I have always been an early riser. Also being a light sleeper, the rooster crowing by the window at the crack of dawn never fails to wake me. No alarm clock needed here. Usually up and around before anyone else in the house, I cherish and need that little extra time in morning to clear my head and collect my thoughts.
The day begins roughly about 5 or 6, depending on the light and cold of the season. First if there are bottle babies, it’s bottle time and cleaning playpens. I start a load of laundry then out to milk the goats after my morning caffeine fix and puttering around the house opening blinds, curtains and doors. Then back in to process and bottle the milk. While the pasteurizer* is humming along I check my email, drop in at various online boards or groups and try to post on the blog.
We are very fortunate to have milk year round. Winter for most is when they dry their does off for breeding and do not have to milk. At times I envy those who have the winter break, especially the days the milk begins to freeze before I get it to the house. Other times I am grateful to not be without milk, so we purposely breed to have a year round supply.
After finishing working with the milk, it is back outside to feed and water the poultry, peafowl and pigs. I then feed the goats and sheep. There are 4 pens/pastures that house our goats and sheep. I weigh and measure feed amounts for each group then it’s back and forth from the feed room till all are fed. I then check to make sure each pen/pasture has a clean full water trough, fill hay feeder and refill baking soda and mineral feeders and let all out to browse.
Then back in the house to make breakfast. Breakfast depends on who might be home and how hungry they are. If I am home alone it is normally something simple and easy such as a breakfast muffin, toast and jam or a bowl of oatmeal on the run. If the better half is home we usually go over the plan of action for the day during breakfast. The better half works from the "To Do List " which gives me the direction my day will take. Depending on the task chosen and if he will or will not need my help is how my day will play out.
Around 11:30 it’s bottle feeding time, I collect eggs, check on any special needs situations (pregnant goats, hatching chicks, babies of any type, etc.), then walk the farm checking for head/horns caught in fencing, making sure all is right in my little world.
It’s then time to fix lunch, again what depends on who is here. After lunch, it’s mid day bottles, then we continue whatever task or craft chosen for the day. Lately it has been shearing, vaccinating and trimming hooves. On cold days we choose inside outdoor projects, like raking out the old loose hay from the hay room, cleaning the milk room and shelters, organizing the shop, fixing things that need repaired and building a new whelping box. Puppies due anytime.
Around 5 it is bottle time again. I also check nest boxes for a late laid egg that might freeze, plus check the levels in the outside self-feeding cat and dog food dispensers. Before evening milking I call everyone back up from the pastures, do a head count and close them in their pens for the night. After milking go back to the house and we call it an end to a good day.
I try to have dinner on the table by 7 at the latest, dishes and kitchen cleaned by 8. The last bottle feeding of the day comes around right before retiring for the night, sometimes 9, sometimes 10. Between 8 and 9 is my quiet down time. I usually can manage a chapter in a book or watch a 30 minute program on TV before falling asleep sitting up.
Now in between the ins and outs during the day I do the other normal household activities, cleaning, laundry, dishes, cooking. Some tasks I have assigned to certain days. Cheese making is Monday, I use all remaining milk from the prior week that has not been bottle fed, sold or used for the table to make cheese. Thursday is for baking, Wednesday is for scrubbing floors, cleaning bathrooms and other mundane household chores. Friday is set aside for visitors and customers to pick up milk and eggs.
I also handle all other day to day tasks such as paying bills, purchasing supplies & feed, all records management, sales and supervise (if you want to call it that) our farmhand who helps out when needed.
What needs done around the farm also depends on the season. Spring and Summer comes garden work, new babies born and home canning. Fall and Winter brings butchering and winter prep.
Seems there is always something to do and never a dull moment.
April 2, 2009
Much Less Cock~a~Doddle~Doo
Happy, happy to say the roosters are in the freezer. The better half butchered yesterday, 10 birds. Things are now calm, quiet and happy around the chicken pen. Instead of 12 morning crows, only 2 today.
Getting roughly a baker’s dozen in eggs each day. Selling them as quickly as I gather them it seems.
Buffy’s boys the Boer bucklings are almost weaned. Down to 1 bottle a day. We moved the boys off the screened in porch out to the kid pen so Scarlet and Pittypat (the new ewe lambs) could be close at hand to bottle, care for and bring in at night. Yep, two more house babies. :-)
The dairy girls are beginning to show their baby bellies. Barb and Isabella are both due to kid in June. Scarlet and Pittypat should be able to handle things on their own by then and graduate off the porch to the kidding pen at that time. Oops, for lambs it is called a lambing jug. Barb and Isabella both have produced twins in the past, so we will be looking at 4 house bottle babies in June.
We are at day 5 with the new feeder piglets, they are settling in just fine. At least they don’t run squealing to the back of the pen when we approach to feed and water. They sure are little cuties. I have resisted the urge to pick them up and cuddle them. If nothing else the one lesson I have learned over the years…you don’t play with your food.
I had considered setting the seedlings out to let them harden off, but don’t think I will risk it. Possible frost warnings for the area the next couple nights. And we only thought Spring had sprung.
Update on Weight Loss for better half - Since the Lap Band surgery was a no go. He decided to go with a supervised diet with the family doctor. The new diet plan is working out well. Not really a prescribed diet plan as much as healthy eating lifestyle changes. We do have to consider sugar, cholesterol and sodium levels. At home he does wonderfully well. The challenge will be out on the road when farm fresh food and my cooking is not available to him. He has lost 10 lbs. since the 14th of March. The Dr. said the first 20 lbs. for him should drop rapidly.
Second update on soaps – Coincidentally the day I sold all the bars of soap I had on hand, the last of the local shops that carried our products called to say she was also closing (due to the economy). We were just going to let her sell the remaining product out, but that isn't going to happen. I will be picking up all products they have in-store tomorrow. I’ll let anyone that is interested know what is available.
Hope everyone has a great day!
Getting roughly a baker’s dozen in eggs each day. Selling them as quickly as I gather them it seems.
Buffy’s boys the Boer bucklings are almost weaned. Down to 1 bottle a day. We moved the boys off the screened in porch out to the kid pen so Scarlet and Pittypat (the new ewe lambs) could be close at hand to bottle, care for and bring in at night. Yep, two more house babies. :-)
The dairy girls are beginning to show their baby bellies. Barb and Isabella are both due to kid in June. Scarlet and Pittypat should be able to handle things on their own by then and graduate off the porch to the kidding pen at that time. Oops, for lambs it is called a lambing jug. Barb and Isabella both have produced twins in the past, so we will be looking at 4 house bottle babies in June.
We are at day 5 with the new feeder piglets, they are settling in just fine. At least they don’t run squealing to the back of the pen when we approach to feed and water. They sure are little cuties. I have resisted the urge to pick them up and cuddle them. If nothing else the one lesson I have learned over the years…you don’t play with your food.
I had considered setting the seedlings out to let them harden off, but don’t think I will risk it. Possible frost warnings for the area the next couple nights. And we only thought Spring had sprung.
Update on Weight Loss for better half - Since the Lap Band surgery was a no go. He decided to go with a supervised diet with the family doctor. The new diet plan is working out well. Not really a prescribed diet plan as much as healthy eating lifestyle changes. We do have to consider sugar, cholesterol and sodium levels. At home he does wonderfully well. The challenge will be out on the road when farm fresh food and my cooking is not available to him. He has lost 10 lbs. since the 14th of March. The Dr. said the first 20 lbs. for him should drop rapidly.
Second update on soaps – Coincidentally the day I sold all the bars of soap I had on hand, the last of the local shops that carried our products called to say she was also closing (due to the economy). We were just going to let her sell the remaining product out, but that isn't going to happen. I will be picking up all products they have in-store tomorrow. I’ll let anyone that is interested know what is available.
Hope everyone has a great day!
March 24, 2009
It Was A Kodak Moment
The farm hand yelled through the screen door, "Need your help." I scurried out to see what was the matter. There sit Jim a top the running tractor with bush hog attached. On top of the bush hog stood 4 sheep happily munching on the remains of the field that had collected and settled on the equipment.
This really amazes me, that the sheep have no fear of a running tractor. They wouldn’t budge. Normally our critters run when large machinery, especially loud large machinery at that, approaches. I had to laugh. It was actually quite cute. Looked like the boys were hitching a ride on the tractor. I wish I had remembered the camera.
I grabbed a small can of grain and bribed the boys into their feed area so Jim could move on down to the bottom field without fear of the sheep getting in the way, following behind or being hurt.
While the guys were busy outside I made a batch of vanilla yogurt and a batch of cracked pepper with green olive Chevre. Had hoped to start some feta when the phone began to ring with news of customers wanting to come by to pick up their weekly supply of eggs and goat milk. Hopefully today will have time for the feta.
Today is reworking and expanding the pigpen while the ground is moist from the rain, easier to put in T posts. Weather permitting the guys also hope to set-up the shearing area for Wednesday morning.
I definitely will have the camera ready for shearing time.
Pleased to report that the bush hogging is complete. The better half being the nice guy that he is, even bush hogged the neighbors few acres while he was at it.
Hope everyone has a great day!
This really amazes me, that the sheep have no fear of a running tractor. They wouldn’t budge. Normally our critters run when large machinery, especially loud large machinery at that, approaches. I had to laugh. It was actually quite cute. Looked like the boys were hitching a ride on the tractor. I wish I had remembered the camera.
I grabbed a small can of grain and bribed the boys into their feed area so Jim could move on down to the bottom field without fear of the sheep getting in the way, following behind or being hurt.
While the guys were busy outside I made a batch of vanilla yogurt and a batch of cracked pepper with green olive Chevre. Had hoped to start some feta when the phone began to ring with news of customers wanting to come by to pick up their weekly supply of eggs and goat milk. Hopefully today will have time for the feta.
Today is reworking and expanding the pigpen while the ground is moist from the rain, easier to put in T posts. Weather permitting the guys also hope to set-up the shearing area for Wednesday morning.
I definitely will have the camera ready for shearing time.
Pleased to report that the bush hogging is complete. The better half being the nice guy that he is, even bush hogged the neighbors few acres while he was at it.
Hope everyone has a great day!
March 4, 2009
Leaky Washer and Spring Cleaning
Saturday while washing house goat blankets, dog pillows and throw rugs I noticed water leaking out from under the washer. Just a very small trickle thankfully not a gusher. The better half was out in his shop working on man stuff so I yelled out the back door…" I think we have a problem."Luckily it was not a problem with the washer; it was a problem with the loader (me). A corner of a dog pillow was not submerged below the water line, during the spin cycle the water was ricocheting off the pillow under the lid and down the back and side of the washer.
For the better half to look over the situation, determine the problem and find the source of the leak we had to pull the washer and dryer out from the wall. The washer/dryer area is in the mudroom, beside the back door we use to go in and out to the barnyard also where we hang our farm overalls, coats and kick off our boots. Ewwww, the mess that was under there! The bits and pieces of hay, leaves, gunk and a stray goat berry or two was disgusting. Especially since I had pulled the appliances out only a couple of months ago to clean behind them.
Having the better half handy I also ask if he would pull the kitchen stove out so I could retrieve a spice jar I accidentally knocked behind it. Thankfully no mess hiding behind the stove, while he had it pulled out I decided to clean the sides, sweep behind and do an over all cleaning of the stove. Why stop there, he pulled the refrig out and spring-cleaning began.
It’s a bit too chilly to open up and air the house out which I love to do while deep cleaning. I am working a room at a time, starting with the master bedroom - cleaning, vacuuming and flipping the mattress (get rid of any possible dust mites there you know), sorting, decluttering, and organizing. If all goes well with only minor interruptions I could finish the entire house within a week. Hummm, may do a bit of spring cleaning on computer and the blog also.
Hope everyone has a great day!
February 4, 2009
A Trip to the ER and The Tree of Happiness
What does a trip to the ER and the Tree of Happiness have in common? Nothing other than the better half being a part of both.
This past weekend was his weekend home off the road. The guys (the better half, his brother and nephew) had plans of doing a bit of mechanical work on the tractor and farm pickup. Sunday afternoon the better half comes limping in the house after spending most of the day in the shop. After de-greasing and changing into his sweats he retreated to his recliner. Once down in the recliner he found himself totally unable to move and experiencing extreme lower back pain. Imagine if you can, a 6 ft., 330 something lb. man in excruciating pain totally unable to lift himself out of a recliner. Add to that vision a 5 ft. 140 something lb. woman trying to heft him up and out of the chair. Not a pretty picture, eh? Well big boy’s brother (a paramedic at that, thank goodness) came back to the farm, to the rescue.
Seems the idgets had changed truck beds from one of the trucks to another. Dah… pick up truck beds are heavy…big boy must have zigged when he should have zagged and probably didn’t use proper lifting techniques…thus ending up hurting something.
When the pain is so bad that big boy swears (oh trust me, he can swear, he was a sailor), tears are in his eyes, his body shakes from the pain … it is time for a doctor. You know being a Sunday the family doctor would not be in so it was the ER. 6 hours of the ER. From what I understand 6 hours is a short stay, guess we were lucky.
After a shot in the rear of Demerol and a couple pills (most likely muscle relaxers) big boy was one pain free happy camper. I know he was feeling no pain because he asked what was for dinner. Yep, food not his back was on his mind.
How do you think he got to be 330 something lbs? His love of food and being a truck driver. Not much exercise and just sitting behind the semi steering wheel you know. Any hoo, seems he pulled a muscle in his lower back. Thankfully it was nothing severe. After a night and full day Monday of bed rest, a bit of medication he is back on the road. He actually stated his back feels best when he is sitting in the up right position behind the steering wheel as compared to lying flat out in bed.
The better half is and has been a problem child health wise. The family doc says he is morbidly obese; he is diabetic, has high blood pressure and high cholesterol. His weight is killing him. His health problems all stem from being overweight. Yes, I have a problem with this. Yes, I have talked til I am blue in the face, harped, nagged and pushed. He does not listen.
I only have control of his diet while he is home off the road. I prepare meals considering all factors, no sugar, no salt and low cholesterol. Yes, it can be done.
He is home roughly 6 days a month, so my attempt at controlling his food intake is seemingly all for not. He will tell you he has no will-power and out on the road with no one attempting to control his eating habits, he eats what he wishes.
The point of my rambling here is we have now begun a journey that I will share with you as it unfolds. The better half will be having what they call Lapband Surgery. He, according to the doctor is a very qualified candidate for the surgery.
Step 1 - is consult with the family physician. This appointment will be scheduled within the next 4 weeks. Stay tuned.
A big heartfelt thank you to Joanna at BooneDocksWilcox for awarding me the Tree of Happiness Award. It does my heart good and sincerely makes me happy to know that someone enjoys reading my ramblings.
The Tree of Happiness asks you to list six things that make you happy, here are mine…
1. My son, he is the love of my life, my pride and joy.
2. My better half. He offers much encouragement, support, makes me laugh and loves my cooking. (Regardless of his trips to the ER.)
3. My family, Mom, Dad, sister, brother and their families. They make me laugh, feel much loved and are wonderful people.
4. My four legged family on our little farm. Happiness is being owned by goats and sheep. :-)
5. Cooking. Can't explain it, it just makes me happy.
6. Our blogging community. I have met some quite interesting, creative, special people through blogging. Reading about their day to day, ins and outs, ups and downs of life and sharing mine has brought much enjoyment to life.
I happily pass this on to (please don't feel obliged to play along, but if it makes you happy feel free to pass it on).
Diana's Cottage
Musings from Fairlight Farm
The FoxDog Farm Blog
City Mouse/Country House
Antiquity Oaks
Life on a Colorado Farm
This past weekend was his weekend home off the road. The guys (the better half, his brother and nephew) had plans of doing a bit of mechanical work on the tractor and farm pickup. Sunday afternoon the better half comes limping in the house after spending most of the day in the shop. After de-greasing and changing into his sweats he retreated to his recliner. Once down in the recliner he found himself totally unable to move and experiencing extreme lower back pain. Imagine if you can, a 6 ft., 330 something lb. man in excruciating pain totally unable to lift himself out of a recliner. Add to that vision a 5 ft. 140 something lb. woman trying to heft him up and out of the chair. Not a pretty picture, eh? Well big boy’s brother (a paramedic at that, thank goodness) came back to the farm, to the rescue.
Seems the idgets had changed truck beds from one of the trucks to another. Dah… pick up truck beds are heavy…big boy must have zigged when he should have zagged and probably didn’t use proper lifting techniques…thus ending up hurting something.
When the pain is so bad that big boy swears (oh trust me, he can swear, he was a sailor), tears are in his eyes, his body shakes from the pain … it is time for a doctor. You know being a Sunday the family doctor would not be in so it was the ER. 6 hours of the ER. From what I understand 6 hours is a short stay, guess we were lucky.
After a shot in the rear of Demerol and a couple pills (most likely muscle relaxers) big boy was one pain free happy camper. I know he was feeling no pain because he asked what was for dinner. Yep, food not his back was on his mind.
How do you think he got to be 330 something lbs? His love of food and being a truck driver. Not much exercise and just sitting behind the semi steering wheel you know. Any hoo, seems he pulled a muscle in his lower back. Thankfully it was nothing severe. After a night and full day Monday of bed rest, a bit of medication he is back on the road. He actually stated his back feels best when he is sitting in the up right position behind the steering wheel as compared to lying flat out in bed.
The better half is and has been a problem child health wise. The family doc says he is morbidly obese; he is diabetic, has high blood pressure and high cholesterol. His weight is killing him. His health problems all stem from being overweight. Yes, I have a problem with this. Yes, I have talked til I am blue in the face, harped, nagged and pushed. He does not listen.
I only have control of his diet while he is home off the road. I prepare meals considering all factors, no sugar, no salt and low cholesterol. Yes, it can be done.
He is home roughly 6 days a month, so my attempt at controlling his food intake is seemingly all for not. He will tell you he has no will-power and out on the road with no one attempting to control his eating habits, he eats what he wishes.
The point of my rambling here is we have now begun a journey that I will share with you as it unfolds. The better half will be having what they call Lapband Surgery. He, according to the doctor is a very qualified candidate for the surgery.
Step 1 - is consult with the family physician. This appointment will be scheduled within the next 4 weeks. Stay tuned.
The Tree of Happiness Award
A big heartfelt thank you to Joanna at BooneDocksWilcox for awarding me the Tree of Happiness Award. It does my heart good and sincerely makes me happy to know that someone enjoys reading my ramblings.
The Tree of Happiness asks you to list six things that make you happy, here are mine…
1. My son, he is the love of my life, my pride and joy.
2. My better half. He offers much encouragement, support, makes me laugh and loves my cooking. (Regardless of his trips to the ER.)
3. My family, Mom, Dad, sister, brother and their families. They make me laugh, feel much loved and are wonderful people.
4. My four legged family on our little farm. Happiness is being owned by goats and sheep. :-)
5. Cooking. Can't explain it, it just makes me happy.
6. Our blogging community. I have met some quite interesting, creative, special people through blogging. Reading about their day to day, ins and outs, ups and downs of life and sharing mine has brought much enjoyment to life.
I happily pass this on to (please don't feel obliged to play along, but if it makes you happy feel free to pass it on).
Diana's Cottage
Musings from Fairlight Farm
The FoxDog Farm Blog
City Mouse/Country House
Antiquity Oaks
Life on a Colorado Farm
January 23, 2009
Apron Strings
I have wonderful news to share, my son is moving home. He will be staying with us for a short time until he can get settled in the area and find a place of his own. I have begun cleaning out the spare bedroom, mainly the closet, preparing for his move home.
I use the closet to store seasonal clothing, extra canning jars, a few bags of fleece. I pulled out a couple of boxes to sort through, two were labeled summer clothes, one was not labeled. Thinking I still might find more summer clothes, I opened it. It held a pleasant surprise and walk down memory lane... treasured items that I had saved from my grandmothers. Not sure if you would call them retro or vintage, but I loved them back when they used them and still do now, hand embroidered Tea towels, table clothes, pillowcases; a sheet set with tatting on the edges and aprons.
I love aprons especially vintage aprons. I have been searching and collecting patterns for all sorts of aprons for quite awhile. Sister and Mother occasionally will surprise me with a new hand sewn addition to my collection.
Not long ago I ran across an apron for clothespins. During the summer I dry our clothes on the line. This would be handy dandy.
I use the closet to store seasonal clothing, extra canning jars, a few bags of fleece. I pulled out a couple of boxes to sort through, two were labeled summer clothes, one was not labeled. Thinking I still might find more summer clothes, I opened it. It held a pleasant surprise and walk down memory lane... treasured items that I had saved from my grandmothers. Not sure if you would call them retro or vintage, but I loved them back when they used them and still do now, hand embroidered Tea towels, table clothes, pillowcases; a sheet set with tatting on the edges and aprons.
I love aprons especially vintage aprons. I have been searching and collecting patterns for all sorts of aprons for quite awhile. Sister and Mother occasionally will surprise me with a new hand sewn addition to my collection.
Most of my vintage collection is of the fru-fru half apron style that my grandmothers wore, though my favorite is the below knee length full aprons with pockets, you know like the frontier women wore and pinafores. I love them.
Not long ago I ran across an apron for clothespins. During the summer I dry our clothes on the line. This would be handy dandy.
January 21, 2009
Weak Week
My get up and go has seemed to have got up and left.
Thankfully the better half was home while I was feeling my worst and a bit under the weather. Surprisingly he was actually home for a 3-day break, Sunday through Tuesday, leaving early this morning to go back out on the road.
Normally I would have been home alone and had to just grit my teeth, suffer through and handle everything regardless of how I felt. This time, being the good man that he is, he handled every single little thing while I stayed in my PJ’s, curled up under my favorite blanket on the couch dozing on and off.
I think the critters enjoy when he takes over the feeding and daily routine. Well all except Sarah Beth. She knows there is a different pair of hands milking her and has a tendency to be a bit reluctant to mind. She’ll get on the milk stand eagerly; stand quietly while eating her ration though when she is done eating she thinks you should be finished milking. She starts fidgeting, shifting her weight and stomping her feet trying to escape the stanchion. He has to really watch her feet during the last few minutes, she will think nothing of putting it in the milk pail.
He gives all a bit of extra feed, a few extra cookies and he will cut a branch off of the pine trees for them to snack on. Some of the goats have him so wrapped around their little hooves they know if they go stand by the fence and forlornly stare in the direction of the green branches just out of their reach he’ll go cut them one. He also lets one or two out to walk with him while he works out and about the farm.
I had baked a turkey Saturday, was planning on preparing one of his favorite dinner this weekend to celebrate his upcoming birthday. My being ill nipped that dinner in the bud. Actually having baked the turkey made meal prep much easier. He seemed to be quite content in making himself turkey sandwiches, chef salads with turkey and cheddar chunks, plus concocting some kind of open faced hot turkey sandwich with a baked potato one night. I on the other hand was extremely content with my orange juice, chicken noodle soup, crackers and 7 Up.
Even though he was home for 3 days, I didn’t see much of him. I think he purposely tried to stay away (I’m one of those who is best left alone while sick, so I can’t blame him). He stayed busy when not checking in on me. I remember he said our farm helper came out to help with some sort of project, he ran errands in town, went to the barbershop, worked on "man stuff" in his shop, trimmed 3 of the inside dogs toenails and went to help a neighbor with a sick goat. In the evenings he quietly sat and watched movies in between bottle feeding the kids and warming my soup. He’s a big western movie fan from way back and found a newer release called Appaloosa. I only remember bits and pieces but it looked like a half way decent movie.
Imagine wasn’t much of an enjoyable weekend for him. Bet he was glad to get back to work for some peace and quiet.
Normally I would have been home alone and had to just grit my teeth, suffer through and handle everything regardless of how I felt. This time, being the good man that he is, he handled every single little thing while I stayed in my PJ’s, curled up under my favorite blanket on the couch dozing on and off.
I think the critters enjoy when he takes over the feeding and daily routine. Well all except Sarah Beth. She knows there is a different pair of hands milking her and has a tendency to be a bit reluctant to mind. She’ll get on the milk stand eagerly; stand quietly while eating her ration though when she is done eating she thinks you should be finished milking. She starts fidgeting, shifting her weight and stomping her feet trying to escape the stanchion. He has to really watch her feet during the last few minutes, she will think nothing of putting it in the milk pail.
He gives all a bit of extra feed, a few extra cookies and he will cut a branch off of the pine trees for them to snack on. Some of the goats have him so wrapped around their little hooves they know if they go stand by the fence and forlornly stare in the direction of the green branches just out of their reach he’ll go cut them one. He also lets one or two out to walk with him while he works out and about the farm.
I had baked a turkey Saturday, was planning on preparing one of his favorite dinner this weekend to celebrate his upcoming birthday. My being ill nipped that dinner in the bud. Actually having baked the turkey made meal prep much easier. He seemed to be quite content in making himself turkey sandwiches, chef salads with turkey and cheddar chunks, plus concocting some kind of open faced hot turkey sandwich with a baked potato one night. I on the other hand was extremely content with my orange juice, chicken noodle soup, crackers and 7 Up.
Even though he was home for 3 days, I didn’t see much of him. I think he purposely tried to stay away (I’m one of those who is best left alone while sick, so I can’t blame him). He stayed busy when not checking in on me. I remember he said our farm helper came out to help with some sort of project, he ran errands in town, went to the barbershop, worked on "man stuff" in his shop, trimmed 3 of the inside dogs toenails and went to help a neighbor with a sick goat. In the evenings he quietly sat and watched movies in between bottle feeding the kids and warming my soup. He’s a big western movie fan from way back and found a newer release called Appaloosa. I only remember bits and pieces but it looked like a half way decent movie.
Imagine wasn’t much of an enjoyable weekend for him. Bet he was glad to get back to work for some peace and quiet.
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